I got caught for shoplifting Tuesday 06/09/2015. first time, worth $260, the man in the store called the police, and I got a ticket from police, code is 484(a)pc, court date was sellted on 08/10/2015. I hold a treveller visa here and my legal stay time is until 9/05/2015.
1. Is any chance I can get this case droped or dismissed?
2.Will my case will be sovled on the first court day, since for immigration law I have to go back to Japan on time.
3. Offcer said I will get a mail within 30 days, do I need to take any actions before I get the mail?
4.Do I quilified for a public lawer?If not, how much for me to hiring a private lawer.
Thank you all for your help.
First of all, what on earth would possess you to steal in a foreign country?
In some countries, if you steal, they summarily cut off your offending hand!!!
You have two choices, both of them risky.
The choices I'll reveal for you are because you want to dispose of this matter prior to returning to Japan.
You can appear in court as directed.
You can simply plead GUILTY, and the case will be disposed of that day, or within a couple of weeks later.
If that's the choice you want, you'll be assessed a fine, and can pay it ALL when you're sentenced.
Because you're visitor, I'm sure the court and prosecutor will expedite the matter to make sure you don't overstay your visa.
You'll be assessed about $500.
The court will often, upon your request, allow you make payments monthly.
So, you might pay $100 on the date the case is closed, and be allowed to pay $100 until paid in full.
But, by the time the next payment is due, you'll be back in Japan.
As long as you stay out of the USA, nothing more will happen to you.
If you return in two years, for example, PROBABLY no one will notice.
Sometimes it is noticed, but ONLY if you attempt to reenter the US.
If you decide to plead not guilty, which is your right (citizen or not), you can also ask the court to appoint a lawyer.
You receive the same considerations and rights as would any US citizen that stood accused of the same crime.
If that's the route you wish to go, the court will appoint the lawyer.
The lawyer will work with you to get your visa extended during the pendency of your criminal matter.
In other words, as long as you work with your lawyer and the court, your stay will be extended.
But, if you eventually plead guilty, or get convicted; that could eventually impact your ability to return to the US.
Frankly, returning to the US is no big deal.
There are at least 100 other great countries on this planet including your own, Japan.